While flying is an option, the “Santa Claus Express” offers great experience that many travelers find both charming and convenient.
Get your train tickets on VR.fi
Here’s what you need to know about this memorable trip;
Why Choose the Overnight Train?
While flying from Helsinki to Rovaniemi (or even directly from many airports around europe) is faster, the train journey can often be cheaper, depending on when you book.
Beyond cost, the night train allows you to explore Helsinki and even take a side trip to Tallinn, Estonia, before heading up to Lapland.
Cabins
Cabins typically come with two beds, but some have more. (although these are quite rarely available to book.) Each bed is a full-size single, with enough room underneath for luggage. You can even stow a small umbrella stroller under the bottom bunk.
For those with a lot of luggage, you can store it in a separate baggage carriage for €5 per bag, but note that you won’t have access to these bags until you reach Rovaniemi. Each berth comes with a small towel, a tiny bottle of water, and safety straps on the top bunk to keep kids from falling out.
If you book cabins on the ground floor, you’ll never be more than a couple of doors from a shared bathroom. Ground-floor cabins can also interconnect—just ask the conductor to open the door between them if you’ve booked both cabins. Keep in mind that if you book an odd number of beds, and they only have two-bed cabins available, they may sell the extra bed to someone of the same gender. (Never happened to me, but it is a possibility)
What to Expect on the Train to Rovaniemi
After booking, you’ll receive an e-ticket with your cabin and bunk numbers, which you can either print out or keep on your mobile device. Pay close attention to your departure time, as there’s no bell or announcement to signal that the train is about to leave. The train departs precisely on time, so be sure to keep an eye on your watch if you hop off for a photo.
Once on board, you won’t see the conductor until they come to check tickets after departure. If you need extra pillows or have any questions, just ask the conductor when they come around. And don’t forget to bring a charger and adapter for your phone, as there are a few sockets in the cabins.
While there is a food car on the train that serves dinner, snacks, breakfast, and alcohol, it is quite pricey. You might want to stock up on snacks and drinks beforehand. There are two supermarkets across from the side door of the main train station in Helsinki, and even a Lidl in the shopping center across from the main entrance.
The Journey
The night train usually takes around 12 hours, with two overnight trains to choose from, one around 7 p.m. and the other closer to 11 p.m. There are also day trains that take about eight hours, but the overnight option makes better use of your time. If you’re catching the train from the airport, you can take a 30-minute ride to Helsinki’s main train station or catch the train from Tikkurila station, just 15 minutes from the airport.
Once you arrive in Rovaniemi, you can catch the Santa Claus Express bus from the train station, use local public transportation or grab a taxi/uber. If you’re looking to store your luggage, there are lockers available at both Helsinki and Rovaniemi train stations.
Final Tips
When packing, keep your pajamas, toiletries, base layers, and ski trousers easily accessible, as the cabins are small. If you’re traveling with kids, note that children aged 4-10 travel free if they share a bed with a paying adult (one child per adult). Children under 4 also travel free of charge. If you book online, you may need to contact VR customer service to add children’s tickets, which you can do via Facebook or phone.
For those who prefer to book over the phone, the customer service agents speak very good English. Just be sure to use a desktop when booking tickets online, as it tends to show more availability than mobile devices.
Leave a Reply